Monday, January 2, 2012

Hey Friends, Long time no see! I hope you had a blissful Christmas, for those who celebrate, and that you're all having a wonderful New Year so far. My days are still migraine riddled (it's been rough ....starting to feel sorry for myself!) ;0) But I'm most sorry to have been away from you for so long, so here's a little wee offering...

A washi tape round up:

1... How to make DIY/custom tapes (on the cheap!)2... How to use tapes in unique ways3... Digital washi tapes&4... How to store washi tape5... Miscellaneous washi goodness

What is washi tape?

Washi tape has become the popular term for any kind of crafty tape,but it is traditionally a Japanese masking tape made of washi paper(Think of it like a thin high quality masking tape).

Washi comes in a plethora of colours, is often very brightly coloured orpatterned and can have a lovely sheer quality that will allow layersof text, stamping, or the patterns on other tapes to show through it.Here is an interesting history of washi tape.

Don't have washi orother masking tapes?You can get a similar look with paper.

Want transparency? If you make your own washi tape withtissue paper on double-sided tape you get a sheer effect.(To make it easier to work with tissue paper, stamp and colourthe tissue after you apply double-sided tape to the plain tissue paper).Or You can even print on your tissue paper tutorial here.

Want archival tapes? You can buy acid-free or archivaltissue paper at art supply stores & use it to make your own tapes.)

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comments:

Oh Mel - you are an angel! This couldn't have come at a better time as I got loads of washi tape and Cath Kidson tape in my Christmas package from my lovely DILs who know how much I love to craft. Thanks for all the brilliant ideas - can't wait to play. Happy New Year to you and give that migraine monkey a good kick!

Wow! Wow! and more Wow! How is it that I have never seen your site before? You have ideas for EVERYTHING! And what you don't have tutorials for, you have links to sites that do! (And even what you do have tuts for - you're not afraid of any competition,)

Thanks so much for all this fabulous info, ideas, links, and inspiration. Forget Google; I'm using MelStampz as my search engine from now on!

Guess I should be whispering this -- I have migraines, myself, so I know what all those exclamation points will do to a person caught in the evil clutches of a migraine. Something that has been of great benefit to me and to most others I've told about this (doesn't work for everyone, but it's definitely worth a try) is essential oil of lavender. I usually get it at Whole Foods, but even many of the newer, larger HEBs (a central/southern Texas grocery store chain) now carry essential oils, so you may be able to find lavender in your grocery store. Just a drop on a Kleenex, pillowcase, or even my sleeve if I have nothing else at hand when a migraine rears its ugly head will very frequently stop it in its tracks or, at the very least, make it less severe. (Note: NEVER take essential oils internally, or even put them directly on the skin without diluting in a carrier oil. They are safe to use when used properly, but they are very strong.)

Hey Mel, Thanks for listing my blog on 'Ways to use Washi Tape'! I had so much fun at The Creative Connection, especially taking a couple of classes from Leslie Shewring, the queen of Washi Tape. Her blog is http://acreativemint.typepad.com/. Hope your head feels better.Laurie from in{side}out

Thanks so much for this fabulous round up of all things washi tape! I have shared it with my blog readers as an incredible resource. I appreciate your work in collecting and sharing so many ideas. I hope that your headaches have improved!

Wow! I've never seen so many ideas for tape. I found you through Diane @ Capadia Designs. You have a very interesting blog. I came to look at tape and have been here for over a half hour. Love it. I'll be back.

WOW Mel, I was just telling my sister about Washi tape and she had no clue what I was talking about... now I can just send her this link and she can read all about it. great job I dont think you left anything out! ;)

OMG Mel you must have been working like crazy for finding all those links. I spent all day looking at thoses sites. I can't thank you enough for all this inspiration and all the work you've done. Thanks, thanks, thanks.

Holy moly this is an amazing post! You are the bomb!!!!!!!!!! I feel so bad for anyone dealing with chronic pain.. crossing my fingers that something will be found to help you out of the darkness :( Thanks so much for this, it's the best washi post EVER!